Athens and the Aegean

The itinerary is the starting point to your tour, but it’s not set in stone. Your group leader may make changes leading up to departure.

Day 1, Saturday June 6: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Sunday June 7: Athens

Arrive in Athens, meet your ACIS Tour Manager and begin to explore this enchanting, ancient city. Perhaps stop for a plate of honey-soaked, cinnamon-spiced loukoumades while you stroll through the winding streets of this cradle of civilization. (D)

Day 3, Monday June 8: Cruise

Board your cruise ship in the morning and settle into your outside cabin. After a late-morning sailing from Lavrion, drop anchor in the afternoon on Mykonos, the dazzling white island with a jet-set atmosphere. View windmills, whitewashed houses and the rugged shoreline of coves and grottoes. Spend an enjoyable evening ashore. (B,L,D)

Day 4, Tuesday June 9: Cruise

Dock today at the Turkish port and resort town of Kusadasi and travel inland to Ephesus to tour a complete ancient city. Walk down the marble road still grooved by chariot wheels and see the intact façade of the Library of Celsus and great Temple of Serapis, as well as the stadium, theater, baths and more. Sail again in the afternoon and dock at tiny, sparkling white town of Patmos. Visit the sprawling castle-like Monastery of St. John and the Cave of the Apocalypse before returning to the ship. (B,L,D)

Day 5, Wednesday June 10: Cruise

Sail to Rhodes and enjoy a full day ashore the island that Romans called the Bride of the Sun. A guided walking tour of the walled Knights' Quarter immerses you in the island's medieval history and the legends of the Knights of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem (or Knights Hospitaller). See highlights such as the Street of the Knights and the old Hospital of the Knights building, then visit the splendid Palace of the Grand Master before also viewing the Mosque of Süleyman, Turkish Baths and the Church of Our Lady of the Castle. You'll have time for swimming in the crystal clear waters of the Aegean Sea or soaking up more of the island's culture at your own pace before an early evening sailing. (B,L,D)

Day 6, Thursday June 11: Cruise

Dock at Heraklion, the capital of Crete, and take a guided tour of the 5,000 year-old Minoan Palace of Knossos. Then sail to stunning Santorini, which many believe is part of the fabled lost continent of Atlantis. Transfer to shore and board your bus to explore the island. Start by soaking up the distinctive character of Megalochori, continue through traditional communities like Firostefani and Imerovigli, and enjoy unsurpassable panoramic views of the lace-like caldera and little islands to the west before arriving in Oia village, perched on the rim of the caldera. You'll have time to explore Oia's traditional buildings, marble-paved alleys, local shops, and more at your own pace before returning to the ship. (B,L,D)

Day 7, Friday June 12: Athens

Arrive back in Lavrion to disembark from your cruise ship and enjoy a guided morning sightseeing tour that reveals the glory of Greece. Ascend the Acropolis for a visit to the Parthenon see the Agora and stroll through the Acropolis Museum, a modern architectural jewel. Then the afternoon is free to take snapshots from atop Mount Lycabettus. Tonight you'll be thoroughly entertained by a Greek cultural evening at a classic taverna in the Plaka area. Dine on authentic taverna cuisine, feast your eyes and ears on professional dancers moving to traditional live music, and have a smashing good time! An expert also teaches you the steps of traditional Greek dances so that you can join in the fun. (B,D)

Day 8, Saturday June 13: Athens

A scenic drive through vineyards and olive groves brings you to Delphi, the center of the universe for ancient Greeks. A local guide shows you the ancient site where ancient Greeks asked for counsel from its fabled oracle. Visit the Temple of Apollo and the Delphi Archaeological Museum, featuring artifacts unearthed during local excavations, before you return to Athens for your final evening abroad. (B,D)

Day 9, Sunday June 14: Departure

Depart for the USA.

Note regarding departure date: Saturday departures are required. (B)